Could 10, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; New York Liberty guard-forward Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (44) is fouled by Washington Mystics guard Cassandre Prosper (18) whereas taking pictures in time beyond regulation at CareFirst Area. Obligatory Credit score: Geoff Burke-Imagn Pictures If the New York Liberty win their subsequent two video games, they are going to clinch a spot within the WNBA Commissioner’s Cup closing on June 30.
The Liberty — who’re 9-4 general and 4-0 within the Cup standings — will play host to Washington on Sunday afternoon. After that, the Liberty will go to Chicago on Wednesday of their closing pool-play recreation.
On Thursday, the Liberty defeated the host Atlanta Dream, 104-90, in New York’s highest-scoring recreation because the season opener.
It was additionally New York’s sixth straight win because the Liberty shot 54% from the ground and 52% on 3-pointers (16-for-31). The Liberty additionally had a 40-24 benefit on the boards in opposition to an Atlanta staff that entered the sport No. 1 within the WNBA in rebounding.
“We had been simply prepared,” mentioned Liberty guard Marine Johannes, who scored 17 factors.
In truth, for the primary time in franchise historical past, the Liberty had 5 gamers rating a minimum of 16 factors.
The one factor not good in regards to the Liberty proper now’s that time guard Sabrina Ionescu hasn’t performed since Could 24 due to a again damage, though she has been training these days.
Breanna Stewart leads New York in scoring (20.4), Jonquel Jones leads the staff in rebounds (9.6) and rookie Pauline Astier tops the squad in assists (3.8).
In the meantime, Washington (5-6) is 2-2 within the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Mystics beat Toronto 86-85 on Friday evening on Sonia Citron’s turnaround jumper on the buzzer.
Washington prevailed regardless of a season-high 22 turnovers, taking pictures simply 2-of-18 on 3-pointers and enjoying with out standout Kiki Iriafen, who has an injured proper ankle. She is averaging 14.6 factors and a team-high 8.9 rebounds.
The Mystics are largely a product of their 9 first-round picks, together with seven they’ve chosen since 2022. Citron (third general) and Iriafen (fourth general) had been drafted in 2025, and the previous leads the staff in scoring (17.1).
Then there’s 6-5 heart Shakira Austin, a prime contender for the WNBA’s Most Improved Participant award. Austin is averaging 15.1 factors, 8.5 rebounds and a couple of.9 assists — all profession highs.
That is some development for the 25-year-old Austin, who was the third general choose in 2022.
Two different Mystics first-rounders of notice are a pair of rookies: 6-7 heart Lauren Betts (fourth general in 2026) and level guard Georgia Amoore (sixth general in 2025).
Betts scored a season-high 18 factors on Friday, making 8 of 9 photographs. With Iriafen out, she received prolonged minutes — a season-high 21.
Amoore leads Washington in assists (3.8).
The Liberty would be the extra rested staff on Sunday.
And, in the one recreation between Washington and New York to date this season, the Liberty gained, 98-93, in time beyond regulation. Iriafen led the Mystics with 20 factors and 12 rebounds, however she is probably going unavailable on Sunday.
On the constructive facet for Washington, Citron is feeling higher after an damage prompted her to miss a recreation on June 2.
“My foot is sweet,” Citron mentioned. “I am completely satisfied to be again.”
–Area Stage Media
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